Development Chef

Third Space; London Borough of Merton; On-site; GBP 42,000 - 62,000; Full time

Job summary

Third Space, through Natural Fitness Food, is seeking a Development Chef to shape the next generation of products from concept to launch. You'll work with the Executive Head Chef, Head Chef and Product Manager to translate ideas into high-quality meals, snacks and beverages that meet nutrition and commercial goals.

You'll combine culinary creativity with a commercial mindset, drive recipe optimization, testing, costing and production readiness, and contribute to product launches and

Qualifications

• Strong recipe development and menu innovation experience.
• Solid understanding of recipe costing and commercial food production.
• Excellent knowledge of food safety, allergens and compliance requirements.
• Strong food presentation and food styling skills.
• The ability to balance creativity with operational practicality.
• Confidence working collaboratively across multiple stakeholders and teams.
• Experience as a Sous Chef, Head Chef, Development Chef or within a similar food innovation-focused role.
• Professional culinary qualifications and industry experience in high-quality food environment.

Responsibilities

• Develop and refine recipes across meals, snacks, shakes and beverages.
• Test new concepts, conduct product trials and benchmark products against market trends.
• Create detailed recipe specifications and ensure products can be successfully scaled into production.
• Maintain accurate recipe costings and support commercial decision-making.
• Support product launches from concept development through to implementation.
• Work closely with product, operations and marketing teams to deliver successful product rollouts.
• Champion food quality, presentation and consistency across the product range.
• Prepare products for photography, content creation and promotional campaigns.
• Identify opportunities to improve existing recipes and drive continuous innovation.

Skills

Strong recipe development

Menu innovation

Food safety & compliance

Allergens knowledge

Food presentation & styling

Operational practicality

Cross-stakeholder collaboration

Development Chef experience

Recipe costing

Product trials & benchmarking

Supplier & ingredient sourcing

Photography/content prep familiarity

Education

Professional culinary qualifications

Advanced Food Safety certification

Job description

At Third Space, we believe fitness is more than training. It's recovery, nutrition, community and performance working together.

Through Natural Fitness Food (NFF), we fuel thousands of members every day with chef-made meals, nutritious snacks and functional drinks designed to support healthier, stronger lifestyles. We're now looking for a Development Chef to help shape the next generation of products across our food and beverage range.

This is an opportunity for a chef who is equally passionate about creativity, nutrition and commercial food development. Working closely with our Executive Head Chef, Head Chef and Product Manager, you'll take new food concepts from idea to launch, helping to create products that delight customers while meeting the operational standards of a fast-growing business. From high-protein meals and healthy snacks to functional beverages, speciality coffees and shakes, you'll play a key role in ensuring every product reflects the quality and innovation that Natural Fitness Food is known for.

Why Third Space?

At Third Space, we believe great people deserve great opportunities.

We're committed to creating an environment where talented individuals can do their best work, continually develop their expertise and build rewarding careers alongside exceptional colleagues.

You'll work with ambitious people who are passionate about their craft, supported by industry-leading learning and development opportunities designed to help you reach your potential.

As we continue to grow across London, you'll have the opportunity to shape your career, contribute to a high-performing culture and play a meaningful role within one of the most respected brands in the industry.

What you'll do

As a Development Chef, you'll combine culinary creativity with commercial thinking, helping to create and refine products that support the health, wellbeing and performance goals of our members and customers.

• Develop and refine recipes across meals, snacks, shakes and beverages.
• Test new concepts, conduct product trials and benchmark products against market trends.
• Create detailed recipe specifications and ensure products can be successfully scaled into production.
• Maintain accurate recipe costings and support commercial decision-making.
• Support product launches from concept development through to implementation.
• Work closely with product, operations and marketing teams to deliver successful product rollouts.
• Champion food quality, presentation and consistency across the product range.
• Prepare products for photography, content creation and promotional campaigns.
• Identify opportunities to improve existing recipes and drive continuous innovation.

What we're looking for

We're looking for a naturally curious chef who enjoys experimenting, refining and improving products, while balancing creativity with commercial practicality.

• Strong recipe development and menu innovation experience.
• A solid understanding of recipe costing and commercial food production.
• Excellent knowledge of food safety, allergens and compliance requirements.
• Strong food presentation and food styling skills.
• The ability to balance creativity with operational practicality.
• Confidence working collaboratively across multiple stakeholders and teams.
• Experience as a Sous Chef, Head Chef, Development Chef or within a similar food innovation-focused role.
• Professional culinary experience within a high-quality food environment.
• Strong understanding of recipe development, food production and kitchen operations.
• Food Safety knowledge and compliance awareness.
• Experience within multi-site hospitality, foodservice, retail or contract catering.
• Professional culinary qualifications.
• Advanced Food Safety certification.
• Experience working with suppliers and ingredient sourcing.
• Previous involvement in food photography, videography or brand content creation.

What you'll get in return

• The opportunity to influence what thousands of people eat and drink every week.
• The chance to create innovative products that support health, wellbeing and performance.
• Collaboration with experienced culinary, product and operational leaders.
• A supportive environment that values innovation, creativity and continuous improvement.
• Opportunities for career development within Third Space and Natural Fitness Food.

If you're a chef who loves pushing the boundaries of healthy eating and drinking, enjoys turning ideas into successful products and wants to help shape the future of performance nutrition, we'd love to hear from you.